For Election for 2010 -

THE
RHODES SCHOLARSHIP
MEMORANDUM

Jamaica and Commonwealth Caribbean For Election for 2010 only

(This Memorandum cancels all previous issues)

1. GENERAL REGULATIONS
The Rhodes Trustees have instituted two (2) Rhodes Scholarships tenable at the University of Oxford to be awarded to candidates from the Commonwealth Caribbean as follows:

(a) The Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship, available to candidates from Jamaica only;

(b) The Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship, available to candidates from the Caribbean generally, excluding Jamaicans.


After election, a successful candidate has still, however, to gain admission to the University of Oxford. There is no guarantee of admission and the award of the scholarship is not confirmed by the Rhodes Trustees until the Scholar-Elect has been accepted by a Department/Faculty of the University and by one of its Colleges or, in the case of the 2nd BA, by one of the Colleges. Election to the Scholarship, once confirmed, is normally for two years.
The following points should be noted carefully:

Scholars can enter Oxford for:-
i. A one-year taught Masters degree, followed by another in their second year subject to satisfactory outcome of the first year;

ii. A two year MPhil. Subject to Department agreement on the basis of performance in the MPhil, a third year of funding may be given to convert the MPhil into a DPhil (but see important caveat below);

iii. A DPhil by direct entry through the P(robationer) R(esearch) S(tudent) status with a third year of funding dependent upon satisfactory report from supervisors; or

iv. A BA with Senior Status (two years). The Trust will not fund more than two years for a BA.
Scholars may, at the complete discretion of the Trustees, leave after a one-year Master’s, but this is not encouraged. A maximum third year of Scholarship is available, at the complete discretion of the Trustees and subject always to satisfactory academic progress, only to those who take one of three recognised routes to the DPhil:

(1) who have gone directly into DPhil research,
(2) who have completed an MSc or MSt in one year as a preliminary to doing research in the same field*,
(3) who have completed the two-year MPhil* and are seeking to convert it into a DPhil.

*Please note: The Master’s route to DPhil is not available to Scholars within the medical sciences who must enter direct to DPhil (1iii above).


Candidates should note that, with effect from 2006/7, the University fee regulations have changed. Fee liability for direct entry to DPhil (1iii above) is still 3 years (9 terms). However, for those taking the Master’s route to the DPhil (whether a 1-year or 2-year Master’s) the fee liability is now 4 years (12 terms). For Scholars taking the Master’s route to DPhil (1ii) above, the Trust will underwrite the 4th year of fees. However, Scholars will need to make application to the Trustees on the basis of continuing satisfactory academic progress and must demonstrate that they have made every effort to secure alternative funding.

The MBA and the MFE (Master’s in Financial Economics) are tenable only in the second year of the Scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded for entry in the following October. The Trust will not normally allow deferral, except in the case of students studying medicine who have to complete residency requirements in their own country immediately following their medical degree. Any Scholar-elect who cannot come in the October following their election or who has not been accepted into a Department/Faculty and/or College will normally forfeit the Scholarship.
The Rhodes Trustees will pay all University and College fees, exclusive of board and lodging, direct to the college concerned.


The Scholar will receive a personal allowance of no less than £11,500 per annum for the duration of the scholarship, which is expected to take care of board and lodging and other maintenance costs.
The Trust will assist the Scholar to meet such travel expenses as are incurred to and from Oxford, provided a letter of explanation as to how travel is being arranged is addressed to the Secretary of the Selection Committee directly or to the Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford for his consideration.

Married candidates should bear in mind that the scholarship stipend is intended to support one person, and that the Trust takes no financial responsibility for the support of a scholar’s spouse. Moreover, spouses who are not British citizens may find it difficult to obtain permission to undertake paid work in England.

2. CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY
(a) One of three alternatives applies either:

(i) The candidate must be a citizen of one of those countries that have gained independence from Great Britain (Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Kitts-Nevis); or

(ii) The candidate must be a Commonwealth Dependent Territories citizen of Montserrat, Anguilla, Cayman Islands or British Virgin Islands;

(iii) One of the candidate’s parents must have been domiciled and resident in one or more of these territories for at least five (5) years immediately preceding 1st January in the year of the candidature, or, in the event of both being dead, was domiciled and resident in one of thee territories for at least five (5) years prior to his or her death.
The candidate must:

(b) have been educated in one or more of the above territories for at least five (5) years between the ages of nine and twenty;

(c) have passed his or her Nineteenth (19) birthday and not passed his or her Twenty-fifth (25th) birthday by 1st October 2010;

(d) have undertaken academic training sufficiently advanced to assure the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree by 1st October, 2010,

Candidates with dual citizenship may not apply in more than one of the countries of which they are citizens.
Where there is doubt, the Trustees reserve complete discretion to determine the eligibility or otherwise of the candidate.

3. BASIS OF SELECTION
Subject to confirmation by the Rhodes Trustees, election for a Rhodes Scholarship will be made by the Committee of Selection.

In considering applications, Committees of Selection will have regard to those qualities which Cecil Rhodes expressly listed in order to define the Scholar he desired:-

Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants, but they will also be required to show integrity of character, sympathy for and protection of the weak, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full.

Mr. Rhodes believed that the last of these qualities was best tested through participation and success in sports. Participation in varsity sports is not essential if applicants are able to demonstrate in other ways the physical vigour which will enable Rhodes Scholars to make an effective contribution to the world around them. Such a contribution Mr. Rhodes clearly expected in expressing the hope that Rhodes Scholars would come to “esteem the performance of public duties as (their) highest aim.”

Financial need does not give a special claim to a Rhodes Scholarship nor should the question of race or religion be a disqualification therefor.

The Committee will summon to a personal interview such candidate it considers necessary to see. Save in the most exceptional circumstances, no candidate will be appointed without such an interview.

In the absence of suitably qualified candidates, no election will be made by the Committee.
The interviews will take place in Jamaica, for the Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship; and, in Barbados for the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship. Although Jamaican candidates will not generally be considered for the Commonwealth Caribbean Scholarship, the discretion in this regard resides with the Secretary of the Selection Committee. Candidates for the Commonwealth Caribbean Scholarship invited for interview residing outside of Barbados may apply to the Secretary for financial assistance to travel from their country of origin within the Caribbean region to Barbados and return, provided that the travel is not funded by their University or other sponsorship source.

4. METHOD OF APPLICATION
A candidate is required to submit the following material:

(a) A birth certificate (certified copy)

(b) "0" Level, "A" Level, CAPE or CXC Certificates or other certified evidence of subjects studied and examinations passed (including the original or duly certified certificate of having passed an examination which fulfils the Oxford admission requirements);

(c) In the case of University degrees, an original of a transcript by the Registrar or Chief Administrative Officer should be submitted.

(d) A signed statement by the candidate (of maximum 1,500 words or 2 A4 pages, Times Roman 12pt.) making a declaration of general interest and activities pursued, the course of study it is proposed to follow at Oxford, and the character of the work aimed at in later-life. (If the candidate has left school before applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, then it should be stated what occupation has been pursued).

(e) Reference to six persons, of which number, at least four can speak to the candidate's recent academic performance. (In addition to indicating their names in the application, candidates are now required to contact their intended referees directly and request that letters of reference be forwarded by them directly to the Secretary of the Selection Committee. It is the responsibility of each candidate to follow-up with their referees to ensure that the letters have been sent off to the Committee. Please see the section "Guidance for Referees" below. The Secretary reserves full right to contact referees with a view to confirming the meaning or veracity of any information provided);
(f) A medical certificate on the prescribed form supplied herewith;

(g) Three photographs, unmounted, approximately 6 cm. X 6 cm. (amateur snapshots will not be accepted); and

(h) Three copies of a Resume (no more than two foolscap pages long) setting out the candidate's educational history, examinations passed, achievements, awards, extra-curricular activities and personal interests.

5. PROCEDURE AFTER ELECTION

5.1 On receiving notice of provisional election the Scholar-elect must apply immediately to the University of Oxford for graduate study. Full instructions will be given to Scholars on election. Candidates should study carefully the graduate studies prospectus to familiarise themselves with application requirements for their preferred course of study. http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/

5.2 A Scholar may apply for any full-time graduate degree at the University of Oxford, with the exception of the MBA and MFE which are tenable only in the 2nd year of the Scholarship, see 1 above.

5.3 Alternatively, a Scholar may apply for the 2nd BA with senior status (over two years). http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/how_to_apply/graduate_applicants.html. Please note applications must be received by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford by 4 December 2009.

5.4 The Scholar will begin residence at Oxford, in October 2010. Deferrals cannot be sanctioned save in exceptional circumstances and with the express permission of the Rhodes Trustees.

5.5 Scholars are expected to be full time students during the tenure of the scholarship and must obtain the permission of the Warden of the Rhodes House to leave Oxford at any time.

5.6 Tenure of other awards in conjunction with a Rhodes Scholarship is not permitted without prior consultation with the Warden of Rhodes House.

5.7 The first instalment of the Scholarship will be paid at the beginning of the Scholar's first term at Oxford. No request for earlier payments will be considered.

5.8 Information about Oxford Colleges and courses will be found in the Oxford University Prospectus and Graduate Prospectus or the University's web site, www.ox.ac.uk. Information about the Rhodes Trust generally may be found at its website, www.rhodestrust.com or from Mary Eaton, Registrar, at Rhodes Trust, mary.eaton@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.

5.9 Candidates should see to it that four out of his/her six referees write about his/her academic preparation, ability and attainments (as well as the other Rhodes Scholar qualities).

5.10 Any candidate hoping to attempt clinical research at Oxford must have fulfilled all the necessary obligations - the Medical Council requires evidence of having fulfilled the necessary professional experience; that is, before granting temporary registration, the Council requires them to have completed overseas an approved internship of twelve months duration or equivalent appointments. Please note that those intending to pursue research within the medical sciences should apply for direct entry to the DPhil; the Master’s route is not open to Rhodes Scholars in the medical sciences.

5.11 Two samples of written work must be submitted by applicants wishing to read for any degree (Master’s and 2nd BA) within the Humanities and Social Sciences. The GRE is required for most economics courses. Candidates for the Scholarship are expected to have familiarised themselves with the detailed application requirements for their preferred course of study. http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/post graduate_courses/.

5.12 Copies of this Memorandum and further information can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. Peter Goldson, 21 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica, Tel: (876) 922-5960 or Fax: (876) 922-7575 who acts as Secretary to the Committee of Selection or from THE WARDEN, RHODES HOUSE, OXFORD OX1 3RG, ENGLAND Telegraphic Address, "RHOTOTRUST, OXFORD" Tel: (01865) 270 902 or from the internet at: www.rhodes-caribbean.com.

5.13 Commencing June 2009, on-line applications will be available at www.rhodes-caribbean.com or www.rhodestrust.com.

GUIDANCE FOR REFEREES

Instructions to the applicant: Please make a copy of this form for the persons asked to be a referee.

____________________________________
Name of applicant, typed or printed

Information for the person from whom a letter of appraisal has been requested:

The person whose name is given above is an applicant for a Rhodes Scholarship. The Selection Committee will be grateful if you will provide a frank statement regarding this applicant's qualifications. A reply within the next few days will be helpful both to the Committee and the applicant.

Proven intellectual and academic attainment of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants, but they will also be required to show integrity of character, sympathy for and protection of the weak, the ability to lead and the energy to use their talents to the full. Preferably your letter will be no less than 300 words in length.

Mr. Rhodes believed that the least of these qualities was best tested through participation and success in sports. Sporting prowess, however, is not an essential if applicants demonstrate in other ways the physical vigour with which will enable Rhodes Scholars to make an effective contribution to the world around them. Mr. Rhodes clearly expected this in expressing the hope that a Rhodes Scholar would come to 'esteem the performance of public duties as his highest aim'.

It is not expected that you will be able to speak from firsthand knowledge of the candidate's qualifications under all those heads. If you are primarily acquainted with the candidate through an academic relationship you are requested to concentrate in detail on intellectual quality and potential (hearing in mind that your reference will be used for admission procedures at Oxford University) although your assessment of the other qualities will be very welcome to the Committee. If, on the other hand, you are better acquainted with the candidate through non-academic interests, you are requested to concentrate on assessment of character in the knowledge that the Committee is looking for persons who show promise of outstanding achievement in later life.

Please do not hesitate to speak of the candidate's limitations as well as qualities. A critical appraisement will add to, rather than detract from, the force of your letter, since Committees naturally tend to be dubious of recommendations which imply that a candidate has no limitations whatever.

The Selection Committee will begin evaluation of the credentials of the applicants on or about October 3. Your assistance will be especially valuable if your comments can be made available to the Committee before that date. No assurance can be given that the Committee will be in a position to make use of letters received subsequent to that date. The Committee deeply appreciates your help in this matter.

Please mail your letter of appraisal to the Secretary of the Selection Committee. Further information can be obtained from the internet at: www.rhodes-caribbean.com.
NAME OF SECRETARY: Mr. Peter Goldson
ADDRESS: 21 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 922-5860
Fax: (876) 922-7575

MEDICAL REPORT

THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIP
Form of Medical Certificate
To be supplied by every Candidate

Date:………………
Address:………………………………...
…………………………………………...

I have examined……………………………………………………. an applicant for a Rhodes Scholarship. From my knowledge of the applicant’s history, and as a result of my examination, it is my opinion that the applicant is in good health mentally, emotionally, and physically and has not suffered during the past ten years from any disorder likely to recur and to impair activities as a scholar at Oxford University (1).

Signed:……………………………..
Qualifications:……………………………

(1) If you think it necessary to expand or qualify any of the statements in this certificate, please add your comment below.

REMARKS

2010 THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS
APPLICATION FORM

To The Secretary, Committee of Selection, Rhodes Scholarships
21 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies

Sir,
I _______________________________(Full name) herewith apply to be regarded as a candidate for the Rhodes Scholarship for the year 2010.
I am a citizen of ______________________________
My parents (or guardian) resided in………………………………………………… for…………………….years while I was between the ages of……………….. .

My parents’ names, address, occupation and telephone numbers are as follows:-
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I was at the following Schools and Colleges/Universities for the periods named:-
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Accompanying this Application are:-
1. A birth certificate

2. “O” Level, “A” Level, CAPE or CXC Certificates or other certified evidence of the subjects which I have studied, and the examinations which I have passed.

3. A signed statement by myself (of minimum, 1,500 words or 2 A4 pages, Times Roman 12pt.) as to my general interests and activities, the course of study which I propose to follow at Oxford, and the character of the work at which I aim in later-life.

4. Particulars of the following six (6) persons, under at least four (4) of whom I have recently studied (with mail addresses, telephone, fax numbers and e-mail addresses) who will provide letters of reference.
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5. The medical certificate supplied herewith, duly signed by a registered practitioner.

6. Three studio photographs of myself (unmounted and not larger than 6 cm. x 6 cm.)

7. Three copies of a Resume detailing my achievements & personal interests.

My home/permanent address is:
………………………………………………………………….…………………..
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My correspondence address (if different):
……………………………………………………………………………………..
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Effective dates for correspondence address:
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My telephone # for immediate contact is:
(……………)……………………………….……………………………………..

My fax # is:
(……………)………………………………………….…………………………..

My primary e-mail address is:
………………………………………………………...…………………………..

My secondary e-mail address is:
……………………………………………………………………………………..

(By signing this form, I consent to the release of this information to the Selection Committee, staff of Rhodes House and relevant staff & officers of the University of Oxford).
Signed:………………………………………………

P.S.—Applicants from Jamaica will be considered automatically for the Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship, unless they indicate otherwise.

N.B.-This application must reach THE SECRETARY, 21 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica, W.I., not later than September 30th 2009.
Tel: (876) 922-5960
Fax: (876) 922-7575